The Stamford to Deepings’ Canal
Stamford Canal was one of Britain’s earliest Post-Roman canals, opening in 1670. Towards Stamford, Stamford Wharf was the furthest point of navigation, and from here the canal follows the path of the River Welland, which was expanded to allow the flow of canal traffic in an act granted in 1571 by Queen Elizabeth II. Work on building the canal suffered several setbacks, including not being able to find contractors, until in 1664 David Wigmore took the work on. He built a planned cut from Hudd’s Mill in Stamford to Market Deeping and 12 locks along the route. At its height, the toll on the locks gathered revenue of between £500 and £600 a year (in 1695) transporting goods from The Wash to Stamford.
Once the Midlands Railways opened in 1846, expanding to Melton Mobray in 1848, the canal’s usage began to decline. By April 1693, all usage along the canal had stopped due to the trade from the railways and problems with lock leakage.
Since its closure, most of the canal route has naturally drained. The foundations of several locks are still visible along the route.
The West Deeping Canal Project
The West Deeping Heritage Group received funding to restore the footpaths around the Canal and further research its history. The footpaths and guided routes were formally opened in the winter of 2013 and help to uncover the local history of the canal and its link to the village. Park of this work includes this cache trail.
The Trail
We have left the canal here, and it has dried up in the gardens for the housing estate you are now stood in. From here, the canal heads a little further south and the route rejoins our trail at Stamford and Deepings' Canal: Are you a winner?
The Cache
You are looking for a magnetic nano. Please note that parking is very, very limited at the cache and the car park near by is residents only. Also please be aware that this cache is extremely overlooked by local muggles; extreme stealth will be required. All local muggles are aware of the cache placement and the increased activity this may bring; if you are confronted, please explain what you are doing. There is no need to enter any residents gardens or driveways. The cache is not there.